Microchipping will be compulsory for all dog owners in England as of April 2016, a decision that has been welcomed by various organisations including Dogs Trust and the British Veterinary Association. The Welsh Government and the Scottish Government have also announced that microchipping will be compulsory for all dogs – dates to be confirmed.
Dogs Trust point out that microchipping also has a number of other welfare benefits including the following;
- All puppies are traceable to their breeder thereby helping reduce the problem of puppy farming and lessening the incidence of infectious disease and inherited defects from which many of these dogs suffer
- Deterrent to dog theft
- Allows for rapid return, meaning that local authorities are able to emphasise to the dog owners concerned that straying is not acceptable, the intention being that this education will lessen the likelihood of a dog straying again and reinforce the responsibilities of the owners under the Animal Welfare Act 2006
- Easier identification and subsequent arrests of owners culpable of animal cruelty
- Enables veterinary surgeons to contact dog owners for emergency procedures
- Allows identification of dogs in properties in emergency situations so that dogs and owners can be moved and reunited more quickly
All dogs will need to be microchipped from April 2016 or face a fine of up to £500. It will be the owners responsibility to have the dog microchipped and registered on one of the authorised commercial databases. to keep the contact details up to date on the databases and register the details of any new owner before they sell or give the dog away
British Veterinary Association say;
We’ve pushed hard for the microchipping of all dogs to be made law throughout the UK. Permanent identification of dogs through microchipping has many benefits. It can help reunite strays with their owners, help tackle puppy farming, and encourage responsible ownership. In pedigree dogs it facilitates the reporting of hereditary health problems.
How does microchipping work?
For more information please speak to you local veterinary practice
